A1 Journal article (refereed)
When Despair Takes Over : Suicide Conversations in an Online Counseling Chat Service for Youth (2025)


Helfer, A., Kataja, K., & Pitkänen, T. (2025). When Despair Takes Over : Suicide Conversations in an Online Counseling Chat Service for Youth. Child & Youth Services, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935x.2024.2437758


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsHelfer, Alix; Kataja, Kati; Pitkänen, Tuuli

Journal or seriesChild & Youth Services

ISSN0145-935X

eISSN1545-2298

Publication year2025

Publication date05/01/2025

VolumeEarly online

PublisherTaylor & Francis

Publication countryUnited States

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/0145935x.2024.2437758

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99249


Abstract

We examined how suicide is discussed online in chat counseling services for youth. The data included 4,340 chat conversations between young service users and adult counselors. Conversations using the word suicide (n = 558; 12.9%) were filtered, and conversations by 31 boys and 31 girls aged 15–29 years were selected for in-depth analyses; of these conversations 24 depicted previous suicide attempts and 15 suicide plans. Common reasons discussed were prolonged mental health challenges and fragmented relationships. Our results showed that young people seek help for suicidal behavior online; thus, professionalism and careful ethical consideration are needed when providing chat services.


Keywordssuicideyoung peopleonline chattingonline discussioncounsellingonline servicesmental well-beingmental ill-healthdepression (mental disorders)

Free keywordschat; counseling; online services; suicide; young people


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2025

Preliminary JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2025-18-02 at 10:52